1 week left to comment: Proposed Changes to Recreation Fees on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at several existing and new recreation sites on the forest.
“We are excited to be able to offer both new and improved cabin and campground experiences to visitors on the Forest,” said Recreation Program Manager Rory Glueckert. “We are especially excited about a new reservable cabin in the Highwood Mountains that is fully accessible.”
The proposed fees by site are listed in the table below:
| Site Name | Site Type | Current Fee | Proposed Fee |
| Mill Falls (NEW) | Campground | Single Site Fee: $0 | Single Site Fee: $10 |
| Pine Grove (NEW) | Campground | Single Site Fee: $0 | Single Site Fee: $15 |
| Logging Creek | Campground | Single Site Fee: $10 | Single Site Fee: $15 |
| Grasshopper | Campground | Single Site Fee: $10 | Single Site Fee: $15 |
| Falls Creek (NEW) | Campground | Single Site Fee: $0 | Single Site Fee: $15 |
| Aspen Grove | Campground | Single Site Fee: $15 | Single Site Fee: $20 |
| Aspen Grove Group | Group Campground | Day Fee: $50 rate per group size: 75 | Day Fee: $75 rate per group size: 75 |
| Forest Lake Cabin (NEW) | Lookout or Cabin | Night Fee: $0 rate per group size: 4 | Night Fee: $55 rate per group size: 4 |
| Highwood Cabin (NEW) | Lookout or Cabin | Night Fee: $0 rate per group size: 6 | Night Fee: $55 rate per group size: 6 |
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forest improve infrastructure at recreation sites and fund additional upkeep, maintenance and recreation staff during the season of operation. Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes. The comment period is set to end by close of business on September 7, 2026. To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date to Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Attention: Rory Glueckert, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602 or by email at SM.HLF_Fee_Proposal@usda.gov . Comments can also be provided online at https://arcg.is/ev0mz3.
Once public involvement is complete, it is anticipated these recreation fee changes will be reviewed by a citizens’ advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable recreation fees. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Regional Forester for a final decision.
Source: USFS
Photo: Pixabay
